Staff from St George’s and Queen Mary’s hospitals and community services across south west London were celebrated at the first ever Staff Appreciation Awards.

The event, held at the Civic Suite, Wandsworth Town Hall, was hosted by St George’s Hospital Charity.

Members of the staff from the hospitals, patients and relatives that have fundraised for the trust and the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Leslie McDonnell, Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, and Battersea MP Marsha de Cordova were among the 210 guests.

The Staff Appreciation Awards were handed out in eight categories:

Volunteer of the Year: Angela Lodge, Rodney Smith

Team that provides outstanding care, every time: Community Homeless, Refugee and Asylum Team

An employee who has gone above and beyond for the patient: Padraic Costello, Clinical Nurse Specialist for People with Learning Disabilities

Staff Engagement Champion: Main Reception team at St George’s

Inspirational Leader: Dee Kapfunde, Matron, Gwynne Holford Ward, Queen Mary’s and Doris Jackman, Head of Nursing, Neonatal and Dr Meriel McEntagart, Consultant Clinical Geneticist

Unsung Hero:Avril Hall, Pharmacy Technician

The Lifesaver Award (public vote): Marietta Armoogum

Team or employee that lives and breathes the trust’s vision: Trust Facilities management team.

All winners were presented with a Katherine Award trophy at the event on March 15 which was sponsored by The Pelican London Hotel & Residence and Yellow Brick Group.

Johnathan Kol-Bar, chairman of Yellow Brick Group, said: “We thank you for what you do to help the lives of many people, many of whom may be vulnerable and looking to someone for help”.

Noel Cramer, director of Fundraising for St George’s Hospital Charity, said: “In the 70th anniversary year of the NHS we are so pleased to make time to celebrate the many positive things that staff at the hospitals do above and beyond their busy roles.

"This event really lifted spirits and showed how much regard there is for healthcare staff from the community around them."